Sandra Mangan
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Writer, editor & reviewer based in Wirral; sub editor @W42st; reviewer @CriFiLover; proud Toffee Girl
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Articles by Sandra Mangan
Visit the Times Square Wishing Wall and Become Part of the Iconic NYE Party
What’s your wish for 2026? Hold that thought — and head for Times Square, where the New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall is awaiting your input. Then, as if by magic, the scraps of paper containing your hopes and dreams will become the “confetti of wishes” released at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Write your wish for the new year on a piece of confetti that will be released on New Year’s Eve.
Keys to the Plaza - How Hell’s Kitchen Tuned a Superstar
From Manhattan Plaza to the bright lights of Broadway… In Hell’s Kitchen, Alicia Keys has written a love story to New York City – and in particular, the neighborhood where she grew up. It’s all there in Hell’s Kitchen Behind the Dream, written by Alicia Keys and Lise Funderburg and out now.
Cool Beats and Smooth Grooves as Jazz Takes Over Times Square
Attention, all the cool cats – TSQ LIVE’s Jazz in Times Square series is back and will be taking the stage at 46th and Broadway every Thursday at 5pm in August and September. This series is in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center, and performers include everything from small ensembles to 21-piece big bands — and everything in between.
Super-Sized NYC Restaurant Week Serves Up A Neighborhood Feast
The ever-growing feast that is New York City Restaurant week is back — and serving up a bigger helping than ever before. Did we say week?
Irish Arts Center Offers a Flavor of St Patrick’s Day without the Shenanigans
Ireland is a country filled with music, dance and culture — and there’ll be little sign of leprechauns, rivers of Guinness or overindulgence when all three are celebrated at the Irish Arts Center (IAC) this month. March is a busy month at IAC in Hell’s Kitchen, with the fun beginning on March 8 at the St Patrick’s Open Day. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, it is a free, family-friendly celebration of Irish culture.
Lose the Post-Holiday Blues - Restaurant Week 2025 Brings the Sizzle to Hell’s Kitchen and Hudson Yards
It’s January, which must surely be the longest month of the year, and winter shows no sign of letting up — but there’s a sliver of light on that perpetually dark horizon… NYC Restaurant Week is here again! Until February 9 (yes, NYC Restaurant Week 2025 lasts for more than a fortnight), leave the post-holiday blues behind and enjoy a budget-friendly meal across a whole range of cuisines at some of the neighborhood’s favorite spots, with prix-fixe prices that won’t break the bank but are sure...
Stars are Coming Out as the Holiday Season Approaches
In a sure sign that the Holidays are coming, The Shops at Columbus Circle have turned on their dazzling array of colorful, super-sized stars. This year’s expanded “Holiday Under the Stars” display comprises 300,000 shimmering lights, 44 new stars and over 3,000 feet of sparkling garland illuminating the entire center. The glowing, color-changing stars will dance to choreographed light shows every 30 minutes from 5pm to midnight daily in the Great Room.
The Whitby Celebrates 100 Years with a 'Sentimental Journey'
It was back in 1924 when The Whitby first opened its doors to struggling chorus girls, traveling jazz musicians, theater stars and fresh-faced Broadway hopefuls. The roster of past residents includes Betty Grable, Clarence Derwent, Diane Ladd and Wallace Shawn, as well as gangster Al Capone.
Behind the Canvas - EFA Open Studios Celebrates 25 Years of Art on W39th Street
There’s the chance to witness the creative process up close and engage with a vibrant community of professional artists as The Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (EFA) opens its doors for the 25th Anniversary of EFA Open Studios on October 18 and 19. Explore 74 artist studios and enjoy a host of arts programming and exhibitions, all located in the EFA building at 323 W39th Street (bw 8/9th Ave). Admission is free.
The Life and Work of Legendary Dancer and Choreographer Alvin Ailey Take Center Stage in New Whitney Exhibition
Music, live performance, film, photography, sculpture and painting combine in Edges of Ailey at the Whitney Museum — an exhibition as eclectic as the works of legendary choreographer and dancer Alvin Ailey. Ailey and his Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) both have close ties with Hell’s Kitchen. Founded in 1958, the theatre takes a prominent position in Hell’s Kitchen at W55th Street and 9th Avenue, while Ailey himself lived for many years on W47th Street.
Assemblymember Simone Stars as Grant Saves Hell’s Kitchen School’s Beloved Theater Program
Hell’s Kitchen’s Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) is a public school that counts stars like Alicia Keys, Jeremy Allen White, Claire Danes, Britney Spears and Jesse Eisenberg as alums — but yesterday it was Assemblymember Tony Simone who took center stage.
Wheelie Good Fun! Unicycles Live it Up at Pier 76
What did you do over Labor Day weekend? Out on Pier 76, a bunch of one-wheeled wonders enjoyed two days of unicycle fun — and photographer Shannon Flynn was there to capture the spectacle. NYC Unicycle Festival was organized by Bindelstiff Family Cirkus, and the gathering of professional and recreational unicyclists attracted curious New Yorkers to Hudson River Park — many of whom were brave enough to try it out for themselves.
Beloved Hell’s Kitchen Store Domus to Close After 22 Years
After 22 years in business, beloved Hell’s Kitchen retail store Domus will close its doors for the final time at the end of October. Owners Luisa Cerutti and Nicki Lindheimer pulled down the shutters last night (Friday) at 7pm and placed a “Store Closing Sale” notice in their window.
Lost Neighborhood - San Juan Hill Documentary to Premiere at Lincoln Center, the Site of Its Demolition
A forgotten part of New York’s West Side will have its name in lights when Stanley Nelson’s documentary film San Juan Hill: Manhattan’s Lost Neighborhood, has its world premiere at the Lincoln Center this Fall. It’s an appropriate venue because, in the early 1960s, the San Juan Hill district from W58th to W70th Street was razed to make way for the Lincoln Center itself.
Taste of Times Square is Returning to the Crossroads of the World
A pre-pandemic foodie favorite is making a comeback — the outdoor food and music festival Taste of Times Square returns next month to the Crossroads of the World. On Monday, September 9 from 5pm to 9pm, for the first time since 2019 Taste of Times Square will feature over 30 participating restaurants, ranging from Mexican, Caribbean, Argentinian, Italian, Indian, American and more.
GoFundMe Launched in Bid to Save Iconic West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre
As the clock ticks down to the closure of the iconic West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre on August 24, a last-ditch attempt is being made to save the venue. Last week the closure was announced in a post on the restaurant’s Instagram page.
Drones to Light Up Sky with a Powerful Cancer Message Over the Hudson
Drones will light up the sky over the Hudson on Tuesday, July 16 as part of a Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) tribute in support of critical cancer research. The display should provide a dazzling end to a MLB All-Star Game public viewing party at Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens from 6:30-9:30pm, and is inspired by the annual Placard Moment that takes place during the game, when the entire stadium can take a moment to stand and hold up a sign to honor someone in their life impacted by cancer.
Dance Your Heart Out, NYC! Hell's Kitchen Steps Into Central Park with Public Summer Pop Up
You’re invited to pull on your dancing shoes and join a 1,000-strong cast of dancers who will bring a Hell’s Kitchen and NYC anthem to Central Park this summer. As part of Public Pops Up this summer, Public Works will be hosting a participatory dance piece set to Alicia Keys’ New York City classic Empire State of Mind from the original cast recording of the Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen, which originated at The Public Theater in the fall of 2023.
Feel the Beat: Free Summer Music Fills the West Side!
Summertime… and there’s free music in the air all over the West Side! Whatever your taste in tunes, there’s sure to be something that hits the right note in an eclectic program that encompasses everything from a Shakespeare musical to disco and funk, salsa dancing to story times with live music for the kids. Most of the events are free – so there’s no excuse not to head out into the sunshine and bust a move or just settle back on a picnic blanket and enjoy live music al fresco.
Plastic Fantastic - Orange Pill Bottles Transformed into Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Art by Fountain House Gallery
We all have empty orange prescription bottles cluttering up drawers and shelves — useless, unattractive, plastic trash. But Fountain House Gallery takes another view, and is hard at work turning those unwanted containers into something… beautiful. Artist Alyson Vega is in the midst of Meditations on Medication: The Pill Bottle Project, an evolving community installation currently taking shape on Governors Island.
With Karaoke, a Tattoo Parlour and No Kids Allowed, Virgin Voyages is Cruising Up the Hudson
From next fall, Virgin Voyages will be sailing up the Hudson with its adults-only cruises. The fledgling cruise brand launched just over two years ago and currently operates most of its North America sailings out of Miami, but is planning on adding New York, Los Angeles and Seattle to its home ports. The cruises kick off in late 2025 aboard the line’s next new ship, the long-delayed, 2,770-passenger Brilliant Lady — originally scheduled to make her debut in December 2023.
Hudson River Park Unveils Summer Entertainment Lineup
There’s a hectic and eclectic program of events planned in Hudson River Park this summer — from jazz and blues concerts to salsa dancing, marine science to yoga, boot camps to bike rides — there really is something for everyone. Plenty of the season highlights are happening right here in Hell’s Kitchen, with the highly anticipated grand opening of Pier 97 taking top billing.
Meet Over at Columbus Circle for the Weekly Vegan Night Market
If you’re craving a meatless feast or fancy trying plant-based fare for the first time, head to Columbus Circle on Tuesday for a Vegan Night Market. Launched at Wollman Rink in 2023, the market has moved to a new venue and will be held on the first Tuesday of every month through October. The “open-air food and drink festival” has more than 20 vegan vendors offering food and drink items priced between $5 and $15.
The Sky’s the Limit as Intrepid Launches a New Program of Free Fridays
Cloud cover permitting, real-life stars will get their chance to shine tomorrow — and just days after a spectacular Pink full moon, there’s no doubt as to which planet will steal the show. Cast your eyes skywards as Intrepid Museum launches a new season of Free Fridays, with Tim Straube, deputy manager of APS for NASA’s Orion spacecraft leading an Astro Live discussion on NASA’s work to return humans to the Moon under the Artemis campaign.
Ahoy, Summer! North River Lobster Company Sets Sail for 10th Season on Hudson
In Hell’s Kitchen, a sure-fire sign that summer is on the way is the return to the Hudson of North River Lobster Company, sailing from Pier 81 on 12th Avenue and W41st Street — but as all New Yorkers know, you can never rely on the weather! A dismal forecast on Thursday meant that the popular floating lobster and seafood restaurant had to postpone the start of its 10th season on the water.
In Tribute to the Late Peggy Vranesh - “A Special Force of Nature” in Hell’s Kitchen
At the end of 2023, Hell’s Kitchen lost a long-standing neighborhood resident when Margaret “Peggy” Vranesh died aged 97. Here, the author Tom Fervoy and his wife Nell Snaidas offer a tribute to their beloved friend and neighbor. We lost a Hell’s Kitchen original at the end of last year.
Biggest Ever Flotilla of Ships to Sail into New York for 250th Anniversary of American Independence
It may be more than two years away, but plans are already taking shape to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s independence on July 4th, 2026. NYC is to be the center of it all, with the arrival of the largest-ever international flotilla of tall ships and other vessels sailing into the Port of New York and New Jersey — and many of them will be mooring on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen.
A Drop of the Irish Will Break with Times Square Tradition This Saturday
Revelers out and about in Times Square on Saturday at 8pm may be a little shocked to see the world-famous Ball Drop taking place. No, it’s not New Year’s Eve, and yes, maybe that last cocktail was one too many, but in a promotion for Jameson Irish Whiskey the famed crystal-encrusted orb will make its descent in honor of… St Patrick’s Eve. We know that’s a made up holiday, but on the plus side comedians Colin Jost and Michael Che will be there to help everyone ring it in at midnight, Irish time.
EV Amps Up as First Public Charging Hub Opens Under Manhattan Plaza
It was announced with a fanfare back in Fall of 2021, now New York’s first public electric vehicle charging hub has finally opened in Hell’s Kitchen, beneath Manhattan Plaza. It’s another step along the road to turning W42nd Street green, with a Citi Bike station next door and hybrid M42 buses rolling by.
Man Fighting for Life After Shooting at 8th Avenue Recording Studio
A shooting in the early hours of this morning at a recording studio in The Music Building on 8th Avenue between W38th and W39th Street has left a 26-year-old man fighting for his life. Police are studying footage from a number of surveillance cameras to piece together details of the incident, which occurred at just before 1am on the 11th floor of the building, home to one of New York and Hell’s Kitchen’s biggest rehearsal facilities.
Intrepid Sky Gazers Get the Chance to See Solar Eclipse from Museum Flight Deck
A solar eclipse is a pretty dramatic event – but you can ramp up the drama on Monday, April 8 by witnessing it against the stunning backdrop of the New York City skyline and the Hudson River from the flight deck of the Intrepid Museum! The former aircraft carrier-turned-tourist attraction will host a special celebration on the day the sun goes dark, and visitors will receive commemorative eclipse glasses so they can watch the cosmic phenomenon in safety.
Neighborhood Favorite West End Bar & Grill Says Farewell After 15 Years
After 15 years on the corner of 8th Avenue and W49th Street, popular Hell’s Kitchen and Theater District bar and eatery West End Bar & Grill has closed its doors for the last time. The closure comes less than a year since the business suffered damage after an electrical fire and subsequent power cut that hit many businesses on 8th Avenue.
Boost Your Community Project: West Side Fund Opens Doors for Grants!
Now’s the time to apply for a West Side Community Fund (WSCF) grant! Applications for the latest grant cycle opened today (Monday, February 12). Eligible applicants include neighborhood organizations, block and tenants’ associations, non-profits, city agencies, schools, health clinics, NYCHA projects, police-community programs, religious institutions and homeless facilities. Individuals who deliver services, such as teachers, are also eligible to apply.
Colorful Sculptures Have Taken Root in Bella Abzug Park
Something colorful is lurking in the undergrowth at Bella Abzug Park, thanks to Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance’s Arts program… Oh look! There’s another one!! We’re not talking Pokemon here. Instead feast your eyes on the work of NY-based artist Sui Park, whose installation City Ecology is bringing vibrancy to the drabness of a New York winter.
“World’s Tallest Laboratory Building” to Make its Home in 11th Ave Biotech Corridor
A 37-story tower described as “the world’s tallest laboratory building” looks destined to boost 11th Avenue’s (and Hell’s Kitchen’s) growing credentials as a biotech corridor. BioTech Tower will house an R&D campus within 650,000 vertical sq ft of flexible laboratory space and take over an empty lot and parking space between W37/38th Street opposite the Javits Center.
Propose, Wed and Renew Vows this Valentine's Day
Less than a month to go until Valentine’s Day — time for hearts, flowers, chocolates… and proposing in Times Square! Well, that’s one of the options for Love in Times Square, the annual romance-fest that takes place at the Crossroads of the World every February 14. In addition to the chance to pop the big question via one of the iconic neon-lit billboards, some further-along-the-road couples will exchange their wedding vows in Duffy Square, right in front of a prize-winning ice sculpture.
Goodbye to Drizly, but Raise a Glass to Hell’s Kitchen Booze Businesses
Drizly is making last call — and Hell’s Kitchen wine and liquor stores are saying “call us” in an appeal to support local businesses. Uber has decided to shutter Drizly, an alcohol delivery service it bought three years ago for $1.1 billion, according to a report from Axios this week.
What’s That White Stuff? NYC Ends its 701-Day “Snow Drought”
Be careful out there this morning! It appears that some strange, cold, white stuff has appeared from the sky… Yes folks, New York has snow — just enough to crack the city’s 701-day “snow drought”. We’ve been out with our camera since early this morning to check what’s happening around Hell’s Kitchen… As of 7 am, the weather service reported 1.4 inches of snow in Central Park — with 0.4 inches falling before midnight, and one inch after.
What’s That White Stuff? NYC Ends its 701-Day “Snow Famine”
Be careful out there this morning! It appears that some strange, cold, white stuff has appeared from the sky… Yes folks, New York has snow — just enough to crack the city’s 701-day “snow famine”?
Auditions Open for Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway: Prepare 32 Bars for Your Big Break
Audiences and critics alike have been fallin’ for the Off-Broadway production of Alicia Keys’ semi-autobiographical musical, Hell’s Kitchen — and as it prepares to bring the curtain down on a sold-out run at the Public Theater this weekend, thoughts are turning to spring, when the show will make its Broadway debut. The show will begin previews at the Shubert Theatre on March 28, with an opening night scheduled for April 20. And the hunt is now on for Equity members to fill a number of roles.
Call for NYC Artists to Give Sidewalk Sheds a Long-Overdue Facelift
Sidewalk sheds… They’re everywhere — with some of them standing for so long that they’ve become part of the scenery (as a side note: the longest-standing sidewalk shed was just finally removed after 21 years). And they’re ugly, right? Wrong, if a scheme from New York Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) has anything to do with it.
Affordable Housing Lottery is Open for Emerald Green on W38th Street
An affordable housing lottery has opened for a 25-story two-tower residential building at 320 W38th Street between 8/9th Avenue. Emerald Green boasts a total of 569 residences — and a waiting list has opened to fill six studios now, and for future studio and one-bedroom vacancies. The Hell’s Kitchen apartments are available at 130 percent of the area median income, which ranges from $15,669 to $76,250.
Lottery Opens for Six Affordable Studio Apartments at The Clinton
New year, new home in Hell’s Kitchen? A lottery has opened for six studio units at The Clinton, located at 520 W48th Street. The Clinton, on W48th Street between 10/11th Ave, has around 110 homes ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. Residents’ amenities include 24-hour concierge service, a fitness center, laundry room, package room and a landscaped courtyard.
Historic Building's $500M Makeover Tops Out with Signature Girder Signing!
The history of One Times Square features as many ups and downs as a rollercoaster – but yesterday it reached a new high with the topping out of the $500m redevelopment of the property, home of the historic New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. To mark the occasion, workers were invited to sign the topping out girder – thereby adding their name to the history of the iconic building.
Hudson River Park's Latest Weapon Against Water Pollution is a Robot Shark — and it Needs a Name
Cue dramatic music… A shark has been spotted in the Hudson! But we’re not gonna need a bigger boat — because this “shark” is a filter feeder of a different variety. The WasteShark is a remote-controlled aquadrone that can remove hard-to-reach plastic pollution from Hudson River Park’s (HRPK) Estuarine Sanctuary waters. Similar to how a whale shark consumes plankton, the WasteShark glides at the surface, straining out floating debris from river water into its inner basket.
Got What It Takes to Beat the Flakes? Emergency Snow Shovelers Sought
The Macy’s inflatables have faded into the distance, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is all ready to sparkle and there’s ice skating in Central Park… Looks like snow could be on the way soon! To be good and ready for the white stuff, The New York City Department of Sanitation is looking for Emergency Snow Shovelers for the 2023-2024 winter season — and registration of interest is now open.
Hell’s Kitchen Tickets: Alicia Keys’ New Musical Supports 52nd Street Project’s Mission to Inspire Youth
Alicia Keys’ remarkable road to fame is the subject of the sold-out new musical Hell’s Kitchen, which had its opening night on Sunday at the Public Theater and is winning rave reviews — and it’s an inspiration to young people who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Ron Perlman Advocates for Pet Adoption with New Billboard in Hell’s Kitchen, Urges “Don't Buy Dogs”
Look up above the intersection of 11th Avenue and W51st Street in Hell’s Kitchen and you’ll spot a familiar face and his canine buddy smiling down from the billboard.
Have Your Insta Moment with the Colorful and Crazy Sculpture of Dreams
The craziness of Times Square has stepped up a notch with the arrival of a colorful new artwork. Argentinian artist Marta Minujín’s Sculpture of Dreams is a massive, 30-foot tall inflatable that fits in just fine at the Crossroads of the World. “Minujíin is more Times Square than Times Square itself — in place, spirit, style, and artistic practice, she brings a new element of playfulness, color, and discovery to America’s busiest plaza,” said TimesSquare Arts Director Jean Cooney.
Man Wounded, Suspect at Large
An investigation is underway in Hell’s Kitchen after a man was shot in the back at 6:12am today, police said this morning. The shooting took place at the northeast corner of West 52nd Street and 11th Avenue. The 32-year-old male victim was transported to Mount Sinai West with non-life threatening injuries and was in a stable condition, according to police. The suspect ran off, heading south on 11th Avenue, police say. He is described as 5’5, with a white beard and was dressed in black.
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